There has been a great deal of debate in zombie survival communities regarding what is the most useful form of transportation in a zombie apocalypse. Some, such as Max Brooks, argue against the use of motorized vehicles, citing fuel and maneuverability as concerns, and believe that travel on foot or by bicycle is the best option. Others take comfort in the protection and capability that trucks and other large vehicles provide. Still others have argued in favor of the horse as the best method of transportation. This page will go over the various methods of transportation that will be available in the event of zombie related civil unrest. The feasibility or wisdom of traveling depends on many factors unique to one's scenario.
The most versatile method of transportation that one can find is his or her own body. It can be brought up stairs, into tight spaces, and other areas that cannot be readily accessed with any vehicle. In addition, this method of transportation requires no fuel other than food and water, and is available to almost anyone. Perhaps the most obvious disadvantages that come with walking are that it is slow, and that cargo capacity is limited to what you are able to carry on your person. Also, long walks may be quite tiring for most people, especially when carrying supplies. So travel as light as you can while on the road. Fitness level and footwear are also major considerations. Even the healthiest of travellers will notice wear and tear, and the potential for injury increasing if they do not occasionally take a day to hole up and rest. The biggest disadvantage is there is nothing to protect you when you are cornered or surrounded by zombies.
Many people (such as pepsi and harding)learn how to ride bicycles at a very young age, making this method of transportation available to almost everybody. Riding a bike is faster and less strenuous than walking, although not as fast as a motorized vehicle, and they can be taken almost anywhere that the human body can. They are relatively easy to fix, they are fairly quiet, and the only fuel needed is the food and water consumed by the human body. Disadvantages include the fact that they provide no protection, and that cargo capacity is limited to what the rider can carry although small trailers are offered by some manufacturers. If one is not going to drive and must travel long distances then he or she should consider seeking out a bike as soon as possible. When selecting a bicycle you should make sure that you are getting one that is of high quality (with a carbon fibre frame instead of steel or aluminuim for instance), is in good condition, and is rugged enough to last in a survival situation. Also, make sure that it is not too big or too small for your body - this can make riding quite uncomfortable. Above all, make sure that it is suitable for the terrain: if travelling offroad discount a racing bike; if going by road, favor a light-framed bike with solid tires in order to avoid punctures from glass and metal from wrecked cars. These are some of the types of bicycle available.
Mountain bikes are incredibly sturdy machines, built to climb tough trails and go over large rocks. This should be your first choice when looking for a general-use bike, as you will probably be spending a lot of time going over dirt, rocks, curbs, and damaged roads.
If you know how to ride one properly, then these can offer an incredible mix of speed and agility. They're smaller and lighter than other bikes, making them easier to store and ride in tight locations. Keep in mind however that this is a high-performance bicycle designed for professionals; it can be easy to crash one of these, especially if you try anything flashy. Racing bikes These bikes are very fast and light. However they are not nearly as rugged as mountain bikes, and their tires are easier to puncture unless you have solid intubes. If this is the only bike you have available then go ahead and take it, but unless you know that you will be travelling on a level surface it would be best to consider switching over to a mountain bike as soon as possible.
There also exist other methods of transportation that are powered by the human body. All of them have a number of benefits and issues. Remember: like bicycles, they provide no protection and little in the way of extra cargo space.
There's something to be said for a vehicle that you can use to bash zombies over the head with. In the right environment you can save a great deal of energy when traveling, making you less vunerable to exhaustion compared to traveling by foot while carrying your supplies. However they are made of a thin piece of wood, which can break, especially if exposed to moisture or used as a weapon. Due to their small wheels, skateboards can't be used in grass, dirt, or rough terrain, and the smallest bump or piece of debris can cause you to fall. Unless you're in the right environment, and experienced in skateboarding you're probably better off walking. Wear a helmet and pads if you can.